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Tuesday, Dec 18, 2018 11:08 AM

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Not Done Yet: Redskins Playoff Scenarios Heading Into Week 16

Ryan Homler

Contributing Writer

Garrett Campbell/WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Last week, we examined where the Redskins stood in the playoff race with three games remaining in the NFL season. After an eventful Sunday that included a Redskins win, along with other results around the league, it’s time to reevaluate Washington’s path to the playoffs for the final two weeks.

Though the Redskins had an opportunity to earn a playoff berth at 7-9, that scenario no longer exists. With the Eagles pulling of an upset win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, both teams sit at 7-7. The Redskins losing out would mean Philadelphia would defeat them in Week 17, ending their playoff chances.

Yet, there is still a prime opportunity for Washington to play into January if these events transpire.

Washington could win the division at 9-7 if:

The Cowboys lose out

Same as last week, but now the Redskins are one step closer. Things played out exactly how they needed to on Sunday, with Dallas falling to the Colts and Washington picking up the last-second victory. The Redskins will need that formula to repeat again over the final couple of weeks.

If both teams were to tie at 8-8 or 9-7, the Cowboys own the necessary tiebreakers.

The Eagles lose at least one game

In order to secure the division crown, the Redskins need the Eagles to finish with at least eight losses.

Check out the top photos from the Redskins' Week 15 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, December 16th, 2018.

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Washington could earn a Wild Card spot at 9-7 if:

The Seahawks lose out

A loss to the 49ers in Week 15 hindered Seattle’s plans of locking up a playoff spot. Now sitting at 8-6, Washington still has a chance to jump them if they were to lose the two remaining games on the schedule, which come against the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals.

OR

The Vikings lose at least one game

Minnesota remains in the sixth seed after an impressive showing against the Miami Dolphins. Holding a 7-6-1 record, the Vikings would need to lose just one game for the Redskins to make it in this scenario. Due to a tie, an 8-7-1 record would fall below Washington's 9-7.

Washington could earn a Wild Card spot at 8-8 if:

The Vikings lose out

The Vikings’ tie becomes an essential factor in the equations here. Losing both remaining games gives them eight losses as well, but the tie restricts them from earning eight wins. Therefore, the Redskins have the advantage.

AND

The Eagles lose out

The Redskins can lose in Week 16 and still enter the playoffs, but they’ll need a win in Week 17 against Philadelphia along with some help from the Houston Texans this Sunday. If the Eagles beat the Texans this upcoming week, a Washington victory in the final game of the regular season would no longer carry any playoff implications, as Philadelphia will still own the necessary tiebreakers.

If the Redskins beat the Titans, but lose to the Eagles, Philadelphia then holds the head to head advantage.